US6236407B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for creating graphical images
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1998-07-10
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Granted: 2001-05-22
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Expires: 2018-07-10
Abstract
Abstract The present invention is a process for creating custom graphical images. A computer user activates the process by selecting a base image or set of base images. The base images may be chosen from a library of such images or created by the user directly. The user also specifies a plurality of user data items. These items may include text to be inserted into the custom image, the font, size or style of the text, the desired size of the custom image or other data items specific to the image, such as the color of particular parts. The custom image is then created by configuring transformation operations based on the user supplied data, applying the transformation operations to the base images and assembling the transformed base images to create the custom image. This custom image can then be used by the user in any way that an image created directly by them could be used.
Inventors
- 👤 Bruce Leban
- 👤 Roy A Leban
- 👤 Kenneth E Jordan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 17:56
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06T; G06T11/00; G06T11/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
300 words
A method of creating graphical images from a plurality of base images, a plurality of transformation operations, each transformation operation operating on a plurality of image parts, and a plurality of user data items, each item having an associated value, comprising the steps of: (1) selecting a plurality of base images; (2) partitioning each base image into a plurality of image parts; (3) selecting a desired size of the created image; (4) determining a difference between a original size of the base image and the desired size; (5) selecting a plurality of transformation operations, these operations being selected from a set of possible operations and a plurality of the operations in this set being selectable according to the values of a plurality of the user data items and the determined difference; (6) assigning a priority value to each transformation operation; (7) dividing the determined difference among the transformation operations according to the priority values; (8) configuring an order of the transformation operations according to the values of a plurality of the user data items and the determined and divided differences; (9) configuring the transformation operations according to the values of a plurality of the user data items and the determined and divided differences; (10) configuring the image parts that each transformation operation will apply to according to the values of a plurality of the user data items and the determined and divided differences; ( 11) repeating the following sub-steps until all transformations have been applied: (11.1) performing a first transformation operation that has not yet been performed; (11.2) reconfiguring the remaining transformation operations according to the values of a plurality of the user data items and the determined and divided differences and the results of the previously performed transformation operations; (12) create a new image by reassembling the image parts.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
300 words
A method of creating graphical images from a plurality of base images, a plurality of transformation operations, each transformation operation operating on a plurality of image parts, and a plurality of user data items, each item having an associated value, comprising the steps of: (1) selecting a plurality of base images; (2) partitioning each base image into a plurality of image parts; (3) selecting a desired size of the created image; (4) determining a difference between a original size of the base image and the desired size; (5) selecting a plurality of transformation operations, these operations being selected from a set of possible operations and a plurality of the operations in this set being selectable according to the values of a plurality of the user data items and the determined difference; (6) assigning a priority value to each transformation operation; (7) dividing the determined difference among the transformation operations according to the priority values; (8) configuring an order of the transformation operations according to the values of a plurality of the user data items and the determined and divided differences; (9) configuring the transformation operations according to the values of a plurality of the user data items and the determined and divided differences; (10) configuring the image parts that each transformation operation will apply to according to the values of a plurality of the user data items and the determined and divided differences; ( 11) repeating the following sub-steps until all transformations have been applied: (11.1) performing a first transformation operation that has not yet been performed; (11.2) reconfiguring the remaining transformation operations according to the values of a plurality of the user data items and the determined and divided differences and the results of the previously performed transformation operations; (12) create a new image by reassembling the image parts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the possible transformation operations further comprise the method of claim 7 and step 11.1 further comprises: if the selected transformation operation is the method of claim 7 , apply the method of claim 7 recursively by returning to step 1, continuing to step 12 and then returning to step 11.2.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
142 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the possible transformation operations further comprise: replacing the text in an image part; changing the appearance of the text in an image part; changing the color of an image part; stretching an image part in a linear fashion; stretching an image part in a non-linear fashion; replicating an image part a plurality of times; replicating a plurality of image parts a plurality of times; discarding an image part that exceeds a desired size; rotating an image part; skewing an image part; distorting an image part; selecting an image part from a set of image parts based on the value of a plurality of the user data items and the determined and divided differences; and choosing a transformation operation based on the values of a plurality of the user data items and the determined and divided differences.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
60 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the user data items further comprise a set of alternatives, each alternative comprising a plurality of data values for corresponding user data items and the method further comprises: creating a graphical image for each alternative in the set by applying the method of claim 7 once for each alternative using the designated data values.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of using a computer system to: create base images by drawing them; partition the base images into subparts by marking the base image; select transformation operations and formulas for determining the values of user data items through a user interface; and applying the method of claim 7 to produce a custom image.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-05-21 | 2004-11-20 | 2005-05-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-05-21 | 2008-11-20 | 2009-05-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-05-21 | 2012-11-20 | 2013-05-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |